Funcionamiento familiar y neofobia generalizada. Análisis de su relación en una población estudiantil mexicana

The study of family functioning has acquired relevance due to its potentially causal proximity to variables related to mental health; in this sense, the present research aims to demonstrate whether family functioning is related to generalized neophobia. To achieve this objective, a correlational, transversal, and non-experimental study was done by applying a questionnaire to 192 students from a city in the north-central part of the United Mexican States. The results indicate a negative relationship between both variables (r s .285**; p < .01), so it can be stated that the higher the level of satisfaction with family functioning, the lower the level of generalized neophobia. Additionally, it was identified that two central elements in family functioning influence the appearance of generalized neophobia: a) the freedom to change roles, and b) the social support received.